Let's Go to School

 Let's Go to School 

The school of the prophets was established by the prophet Samuel to protect the nation against corruption. It was designed to promote the mental and spiritual welfare of the youth. It aimed at furnishing the nation with godly men equipped to lead spiritually. The School of the Prophets is referred to in 1 Samuel 19:18–24 as a “group of prophets” and in 2 Kings 2:5; 4:38–44 as the “sons of the prophets.”  

 However, the school of the prophets instituted by Samuel, deteriorated during the years of Israel’s apostasy.  In time, the Lord raised up Elijah to reestablish these schools and provide for the young men an education that would help them glorify God. 

Elijah had just experienced a wonderful time of proving that God was god and that Baal was a false god.  The fire came down and burnt up his sacrifice even though it was drenched with water from the sea.  He commanded his followers to slay the prophets of Baal which they did in short order.  Queen Jessabelle was so angry she swore to behead the prophet Elijah, so he fled in terror, crying out to God that he was alone, and there was no one else concerned about worshiping and loving God.  God spoke to him say, “Not so, for I have 7000 who have not bowed their knees to Baal, and they still love and serve me.  

Elijah was encouraged and God instructed him to re-establish the school of the prophets - Many of these 7000 faithful ones were connected to the schools of the prophets. They worked to bring the spiritual reform that Elijah and Elisha had been called to do.

The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of God, with the instruction given to Moses (Leviticus 10:11), sacred history (Joel 1:3), and sacred music (1 Samuel 10:5).  In addition, the students were taught a trade to help them be self-supportive. A rabbinical proverb was taught to all the Jewish families, “He who does not teach his son a trade teaches him to be a thief.”  Every youth, whether his parents were rich or poor, was taught some kind of a trade.

These schools were groups of 50 to 100 young men and schools were throughout the land. 

It is important for us as intercessors to be familiar with God's word, to put to memory bold scriptures that we will be able to use to defeat the enemy.  

2 Timothy 2:15 admonishes us;, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

As we examine the scripture just read, we discover that the apostle Paul tells us that proper Bible study leads to approval from God. The same verse also speaks of other benefits.  First, as workmen, we need not be ashamed — if we study God’s Word.  Instead, studying becomes fulfilling and satisfying.  You have done what God expects you to do — obedience brings an acceptable type of self-approval. 

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth—knowing the Bible, inside and out — takes a lifetime.  God’s Holy Spirit opens one’s mind to this spiritual understanding.  (Psalms 119:18; John 16:13)

True biblical knowledge and understanding come from diligent effort and God’s Holy Spirit working in you.

God expects us to familiarize ourselves with His Word.  Only by fully appreciating it will we act on it. Christ said, “… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”  (Matt 4:4, quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3)

Psalms 119:105 affirms: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

In the New Testament, Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

The Bible is filled with promises on how God can change your life when you study His Word. Joshua 1:8, ESV tells us;. “Meditate on God's Word, day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it … then you will make your way prosperous” 

The Bureans did not have a Bible like we do, but they  received the spoken word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 

Paul admonished his followers to take what I have been teaching you, and begin to put into action what you have learned.  He meant to practice, to exercise, to recite, start doing what you have learned. 

We understand the Bible tells us of putting on the full armor of God to stand against Satan, but the most powerful weapon we can use against the enemy is our prayer language.  The devil does not decipher our prayers when we pray in the Holy Spirit.  He is not a code breaker, and so praying in the Holy Spirit confuses his tactics, and sends God's war angels out to defeat satan.  

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty and freedom.

As we pray at home, in special prayer meetings and at our church, let us praise using other tongues and let us sing a new song of thanksgiving.  This song of praise is thanking God, that He is already at work performing and perfecting the answers to our prayers that we have prayed in our prayer language.  

Praying in the Holy Spirit also builds up your faith.  Another way to build your faith is to hear yourself speak the bold scriptures that remind you of “Who you are in Christ.”  Scriptures to understand that God is at work answering your prayers, and that we are to expect results from our prayers and we are thus allowing our words to thank Him for these answers. 

Today I urge you to begin practicing studying God's Word daily;  To put into action Praying daily in the Holy Spirit, and to continually sing a new Song of praise onto our God.